Hancock Lumber recently captured the coveted Philip C. Hastings award in recognition for the company’s leadership in reducing energy usage.
“The decision to make these changes to conserve energy at our Bethel sawmill is a win-win situation,” Hancock Lumber President Kevin Hancock said. “Being green and efficient is smart for our company during these tough economic times, smart for our country to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and smart for our planet to reduce greenhouse gases and emissions.”
Hancock said the company partnered with Efficiency Maine and invested more than $180,000 to upgrade the lighting and compressor systems at Hancock’s Bethel sawmill and incorporated new production strategies to double the amount of lumber cut during each shift.
The result, Hancock said, was a reduction of nearly 25 percent in the amount of electricity used at the mill. The savings will amortize the cost of the investment in two or three months.
Gov. John Baldacci presented the Hastings award, named in honor of the man who founded Efficiency Maine, in recognition of the achievement. The energy leadership award recognizes an individual or organization whose exemplary efforts have advanced the mission and principles of Efficiency Maine, including promoting energy efficiency, supporting sustainable economic development and reducing environmental impact from electricity use.
“Hancock Lumber has demonstrated admirable vision by partnering with Efficiency Maine to drive down the company’s electricity needs,” Baldacci said at the award’s presentation. “At a time when energy costs are making life difficult for Maine businesses and residents, this is the kind of partnership that benefits both the bottom line and the public interest.”
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Efficiency Maine and the Maine Public Utilities Commission toward reducing energy usage even further,” Hancock said.